Australian Crime Fiction — Fiona Tarr

If You Love Australian Crime Fiction, Meet Fiona Tarr

Fiona Tarr writes fast-paced Australian crime and mystery fiction featuring fearless female protagonists, remote outback and small-town settings, and the kind of dark secrets that only tight-knit communities can hide. With four series and 20+ novels, she is one of Australia’s most prolific indie crime writers.

Readers who enjoy Jane Harper, Patricia Wolf, Chris Hammer, and Melinda Leigh consistently discover Fiona Tarr as their next favourite author.

What Makes Fiona Tarr’s Books Distinctive

·   Authentic Australian settings — from the red dust of Coober Pedy’s opal mines to the humid tropical heat of far north Queensland

·   Feisty female leads — strong, complex women at the centre of every investigation

·   Atmospheric suspense — tightly plotted, cleanly written, no padding

·   Standalone reads with series depth — each book works alone, but characters reward readers who go deeper

·   Genuine Australian voice — quirky local characters and outback detail drawn from Fiona’s own rural background

“The descriptions throughout this novel were so good you felt like you were right there with the characters experiencing the Coober Pedy heat.” — Goodreads Reader review, Her Buried Bones

“I love all things set in my home state of Queensland. There’s something about experiencing a setting first-hand that really connects me with the plot.” — Goodreads Reader review, Grave Regret

“Fast-paced action-packed thrill ride… tightly plotted, cleanly written and no padding.” — Goodreads Reader review

Fiona’s great-uncle was celebrated Australian author George Johnston (My Brother Jack), and that tradition of sharp social observation runs through her crime fiction.

The Four Series

Opal Fields Crime Series

Detective Jenny Williams investigates murder and mystery across the red dust and opal mines of outback South Australia. Atmospheric, gritty, and character-driven — this is Fiona’s flagship series and the perfect entry point to her world.

Start with: Her Buried Bones (Book 1)

 

Detective Jenny Williams Series  (launching late 2026)

A spin-off starting in the same Opal Fields world, following Jenny Williams and her new careers as a Major Crimes Detective.

Start with: On Barren Ground (Book 1)

 

Dawn Grave Crime Series

Dark, twisting crime fiction set in the tropical far north of Queensland. A fast-paced series for readers who like their mysteries with sharp edges and plenty of secrets.

Start with: Grave Regret (Book 1)

 

Foxy Mysteries Series   ⚠️ Closed Door Romance

Steamy, witty, and utterly unputdownable — crime fiction with heat. For readers who want their mystery with a side of sizzle.

Start with: Death Beneath the Covers (Book 1)

Reading Order at a Glance

 

All series are designed so you can start anywhere — but if you’re brand new to Fiona’s world, Her Buried Bones is the recommended first read.

Readers Are Saying

“I have lived and worked in the outback… I can vouch for the heat, the dust and the authenticity of life in a small mining town.”

“A fast-paced action-packed thrill ride through the outback.”

“The distinctly Australian landscapes and far north location ground the narrative authentically.”

Start Reading Today

[Browse All Books →]   [Opal Fields Series →]   [Dawn Grave Series →]   [Foxy Mysteries →]